The United Nations declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. As we set sail into 2017, it is imperative to be reminded of the human rights implications of tourism. Facebook recently notified me that three years ago, I was volunteering in Cambodia. A photo of a group of us after a rice distribution served to remind me of my naiivity and the pressing need to educate […]

The German government and civil society organizations are conducting an interesting experiment – and apparently a pretty successful one, too. Within the last four years almost 2000 volunteers from countries of the global south – development countries – came to Germany for their reverse voluntary service. They work in kindergartens, support local NGOs and international development agencies, support schools and work with elderly people. The important thing: Volunteers don’t have to […]

Barbie Savior – A beautiful parody with a serious background. The campaign, which includes a website, a wonderful blog as well as a very creative Instagram profile, was launched to raise awareness about what is wrong in the “fantastic” world of volunteering. It is a light way to address the difficult topic of the “white savior complex” in a drastic, sometimes a little painful way. Reviews: “The satirical account encapsulates what some see as the […]